EDITOR,

The city of Tracy, Tracy Rural Fire District and the South County Fire Authority are sticking to a recommendation from a defunct fire chief who was fired over two years ago to relocate two fire stations. What’s wrong with this picture?

Moving one of the busiest firehouses in the heart of the city to an area that doesn’t meet “response goals” is irresponsible. Tax money was collected years ago to provide fire service to the area known as “Plan C”; essentially, the area west of Corral Hollow Road. Moving the station at Grant Line Road and Parker Avenue to the area of Grant Line and Corral Hollow will address this deficiency, while creating one where one does not currently exist. This is irresponsible.

The fire station in Banta will be abandoned and relocated to a lot just east of the city limits on Grant Line Road, owned by a longtime Tracy Rural Fire District director. This move will significantly affect the fire response for people in the Banta area and to the east, all taxpayers of the Tracy Rural Fire District. This is irresponsible.

“Plan C” was designated to have a fire station to service this area. Why is this plan being implemented at the expense of longtime residents in the heart of the city? Why are the residents of the Banta area and to the east being neglected?

And, $8 million to build two fire houses? What’s wrong with this picture? What makes a fire house that much different from the homes you and I live in, other than a large garage?

Why not raze the Banta fire house and rebuild it on the site currently owned by the Tracy Rural Fire District, remodel the current fire house at Grant Line and Parker to better accommodate the needs of the fire department and build a new fire house in the “Plan C” area near the West Valley Mall?

I’ve spoken to a number of our local firefighters, and they tell me “the train has left the station” and nothing will change. Well, when it’s discovered that there is something blocking the tracks 1.3 miles west of the train station after the train has just left, they stop that train before it crashes.

Let’s be responsible and do the right thing. If we can’t afford to do the right thing now, then let’s wait until we can. Let’s not spend the money and sacrifice the community just because an “incompatible” fire chief who was fired made a recommendation almost five years ago.